Audio By Carbonatix
When some of them dropped out of school, many assumed they would end up like the majority of their peers, lost and useless to society.
But these young farmers at Tafo in Kumasi now own herd of bulls, thanks to their small savings and humble beginnings.
Their cattle are of excellent quality, and one will cost you at least 10,000 cedis.
Though they have not been able to continue their education, they are balancing life by providing what the world needs, while impacting their own lives.
One of the farmers, Jibril Nashiru Antaru, takes me on a tour of their small farm and Jewel bulls.
A model farm that says a lot about him and his colleagues in their twenties and thirties.
In 2020, Jibril had nothing but today he currently owns four bulls and has already sold some to help support his family.
"I've reaped many benefits from animal husbandry and have helped my parents care for my younger siblings while they pursue their education," Jibril said.
He added that, some of his friends have also joined in the animal rearing business because of the numerous benefits.
"Other university graduates have also joined us in the animal rearing business," excitedly stated.
If he had been faint-hearted, he would have given up on life because his teachers had told him that the grey matter between his ears could not propel him to success.
Having completed senior high school in 2020, he lamented how some teachers discourage students by telling them that, they cannot make it in life if they leave education.
"Some teachers frequently discourage students by telling them that we can only prosper through formal education," Jibril indicated.
But their statements did not dampen his determination to pursue his dream of animal husbandry and make good living.
Together with his colleagues, they own about 100 bulls on a small plot in the middle of Old Tafo Zango, a suburb of Kumasi.
Ismail Abdallah, another SHS graduate, is among the owners.
Ismail said, "not everyone will be able to pursue formal education, but anyone can work and prosper."
He began by rearing sheep and goats and gradually progressed to cattle rearing. "I began with two cows and, by the grace of God, I now have four cows, with plans to increase the number as time goes on."
Ismail said they have no reason to become a burden on society simply because they dropped out or were unable to continue their education.
"Our society believes that without formal education, one is unable to progress in life. However, there are numerous occupations that can also lead to success in life. We have some young people here who combine animal rearing and education, and they mostly use the proceeds from their animal sales to pay for their education. For those of us who are adults and married, we rely on the rearing and sale of animals to provide for our families."
The farm has become a model for many people in the area and beyond. One of the farmers, Jaaif Abdul-Razak said that's how they also contribute to the development of the country.
"We are not doing it to help ourselves alone, but help the nation," he stated.
Jaaif emphasized that whoever finds their child working on the rearing business should assist them rather than kill the spirit of such a person, adding that they are eager to improve their lives.
The farmers continue to sell their bulls because the farm has limited space.
Those who previously thought life would treat these young men unfairly because they were unable to further their education will be filled with jealousy once they learn how much the farmers make.
According to Ismail, "we could buy a bull for 3000 or 4000 last year and rear it. You could sell it for around 8000 cedis during Eid-ul-Adha. However, due to the current exchange rate, they could cost between 10,000 and 120,000, or higher depending on the size of the bull. As a result, bulls are expensive this year."
The sky is the limit for these cattle farmers. Everyone, according to them, holds the key to their destiny.
What they do with it will determine the course of their lives.
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